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OPENING TIMES: 3rd November 2014 - 29th March 2015: 10am - 4pm Saturdays and Sundays ONLY. 30Th March 2015 onwards: opening times available nearer the time. Along with Rievaulx and Fountains Abbeys, Byland Abbey was once one of the greatest Cistercian monasteries in the north of England. It boasts some of the earliest Gothic architecture in northern England as well as internationally significant medieval floor tile pavements. Much of the church survives to a great height, including the fantastic rose window, and the remains of the domestic buildings are extensive. There is also a museum packed with artefacts found on site and beautifully illustrated interpretation panels, which give visitors an insight into monastic life. There is also much to interest nature lovers as many varieties of wild flowers grow on the ruins of the abbey and a multitude of birds and small mammals can be seen around the site, including kestrels, buzzards and hedgehogs.

About Byland Abbey

OPENING TIMES: 3rd November 2014 - 29th March 2015: 10am - 4pm Saturdays and Sundays ONLY. 30Th March 2015 onwards: opening times available nearer the time. Along with Rievaulx and Fountains Abbeys, Byland Abbey was once one of the greatest Cistercian monasteries in the north of England. It boasts some of the earliest Gothic architecture in northern England as well as internationally significant medieval floor tile pavements. Much of the church survives to a great height, including the fantastic rose window, and the remains of the domestic buildings are extensive. There is also a museum packed with artefacts found on site and beautifully illustrated interpretation panels, which give visitors an insight into monastic life. There is also much to interest nature lovers as many varieties of wild flowers grow on the ruins of the abbey and a multitude of birds and small mammals can be seen around the site, including kestrels, buzzards and hedgehogs.

We stopped off here after having been at The Black Swan, what an amazing abbey and ruins, we weren't sure if they would be open at 10am on a cold, wet Friday in November, but they were and we had the whole place to ourselves....More

Ask BeckyS12 about Byland Abbey

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

A glorious Abbey appears round the corner. Be aware there is a restoration project going on at the moment and there's plenty of scaffolding. Not a lot to do directly next to the Abbey so you don't need long to appreciate it.

Ask SARAH L about Byland Abbey

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Well worth a visit . The abbey still has some of the tiled floor intact, but it’s coved for winter to protect it . The abbey is rather a large place. It set in a lovely scenic area. Their is a small museum on the...More

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Ask gothicwax about Byland Abbey

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Although in ruins, medieval floor tiles remain in the ground, which makes it just a bit easier to imagine how the abbey would have looked hundreds of years ago. With a bit of effort, this extensive site could rival the nearby Rievaulx Abbey. Come on,...More

Ask Agincourt1415 about Byland Abbey

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We started our day with a visit to By land Abbey then had a fantastic Light Sunday lunch at above. I ordered the platter, the food arrived and I wondered if l would be able to plough (get it)through it, it was stacked high, also...More

Ask RhonaandChris about Byland Abbey

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

A large and rather fascinating abbey set in countryside that includes Ampleforth and Rievaulx Abbeys.
Unfortunately there is nothing left but ruins but one can get a general impression of what life was like.

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Ask BrianElliott1 about Byland Abbey

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC